KLM came under ­increased pressure ­yesterday to provide full compensation to Britons stranded by the volcanic ash cloud eruption.

The Dutch airline has offered to cover hotel and meal bills for only 24 hours. EU laws say that ­“reasonable costs” should not be time limited.

A spokesman said: “We hope and expect to see a swift clarification from KLM of their policy – so that it is in line with the EU law. If that is not the case legal action could follow.” Many other ­airlines have reluctantly agreed to compensation.